Pages for Pennies

Have you ever gone shopping for a few scrapbook supplies but found yourself shocked at the amount of money you spent? It happens so easily! There are so many fun and creative things to do in our scrapbooks these days. Many of them, though, come with a high price tag.

I recently took a challenge to create some inexpensive layouts. It stretched me to try some new techniques, to revisit some old products and to stick to the basics. Here are four pages I created, each for $2 or less using only the basic tools.

Titles - For cost-saving titles use a pen and your own handwriting or a computer font. You can get many looks this way. In this layout, I created the title and the journaling using computer fonts.

Techniques - Basic scrapbook techniques such as inking, color blocking, sewing and paper tearing can be used to add interest to a layout without the added cost. Use techniques that enhance your page without costing you a fortune. For this layout, I stuck to the basics and provided interest to the layout by inking and tearing the paper.

Paper - Cardstock and patterned paper are basic and inexpensive scrapbook supplies for putting together a layout. Cardstock and patterned paper are so versatile that you can create many looks just from the way the paper is combined. Double-sided patterned paper allows you to use both sides of the paper as well. Pre-printed papers also save you money because the words and images are already printed on the paper itself. In this layout, I used a sheet of patterned paper printed with words and decorative patterns.

Embellishments - The high cost of embellishments can add up quickly. The most cost-saving embellishments are the one you can purchase in bulk. If you continue to use them, they are a bargain. Don’t forget to go back to your supplies and use items like brads, flowers, photo corners and buttons that you have left over. In the same way, cardstock from a scrap file is valuable. The continued use of previously purchased supplies will save you lots of pennies!

Items bought in small quantities are often cheaper as well. For example, ribbon, purchased by the yard, is a cheap purchase. For this layout I purchased a yard of ribbon to complete the look of the preprinted paper.

Ready for a challenge? If so, take the challenge to make a page for less than $2. Regardless, take a look through your supplies for items to use, including paper and old embellishments. Don’t forget your pen and computer for your title and journaling needs. Finally, remember to use cost-effective techniques to enhance your pages.